Khalid Jamal Layne

Khalid was born on October 3, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest child of Alexander and Senora Layne. From an early age, he was drawn to the arts, influenced by his father’s career as a musician and nurtured by his own love for music, literature, and expression. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from City University of New York. He worked as Senior Manager for FedEx Ground for almost twenty years.

In 1992, Khalid had his eldest son, Xavier. He later met his soulmate, Shelley, and they married on June 1, 2002. Their love was an extraordinary adventure, carried across the world in travels. While he found delight in many places—Thailand, Jamaica, and Costa Rica among them—his heart belonged most to Egypt. In 2020, Khalid and Shelley welcomed Gus into their hearts and home, adding yet another layer of love to their story.

Khalid was a devoted father, instilling wisdom, strength, and compassion in his sons. He approached fatherhood with thoughtfulness and care, always encouraging them to live with integrity and curiosity. Holidays at his home were always filled with laughter, warmth and famously, his fried turkey. He lit up every room with his bright smile and unforgettable dance moves, a reminder to all that joy can be simple and spontaneous.

A gifted spoken word artist, poet, and philosopher, Khalid was a seeker of truth and beauty. His love for books, music, and meaningful conversation made him a vibrant presence in any room. Khalid was dedicated to the ones he loved. Friends and family knew him as endlessly kind, wise, and grounded—someone who made you feel truly seen.

In the final years of his life, Khalid faced cancer with unwavering strength and dignity. Even amidst hardship, he remained true to his spirit—resilient, thoughtful, and fiercely devoted to gaining more time with the people he loved most.

Khalid lived life as a sacred journey—wide-eyed, open-hearted, and full of soul. He leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and connection that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Khalid was predeceased by his father, Alexander Layne. He is survived by his wife, Shelley Ann Layne; sons, Xavier (Sarah) Layne and Augustus Layne; grandson, Ezra Layne; mother, Senora Layne; brother, Terence Layne; sister, Malaika (Justin) Layne Myers; father-in-law, Leroy Wilson; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Wilson; sister-in-law, Patrice Wilson; nephews, Lord, Brennan, and Evan; and nieces, Myasia and Olivia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Khalid’s honor to Heifer International, an organization close to his heart, which aims to help women increase food security and build sustainable futures for their families.